Paul Murray secures the University's sixth Green Gown in eight years at national awards

An academic and author who has engaged thousands of people with
education for sustainable development has been honoured with a prestigious
national award.

Paul Murray, Associate Professor in Sustainable Construction and
Surveying, was named Sustainability Champion - Staff at the 14th
annual Green Gown Awards in recognition of his work over more than 26 years in
higher education.

Paul, who is based in the School of Art, Design and Architecture,
helped to create the UK’s first overtly ‘environment-themed’ degrees in
building and construction. He has also devised an innovative collection of
values-centred personal training techniques to provide students, academics and
professionals with the confidence and insight they need to promote both
sustainability and beneficial personal change.

It is the sixth Green Gown Award won by the University in eight
years, following on from successes in categories such as Institutional Change,
Enterprise, and Courses and Learning.

Organised by the EAUC, and held at the National Railway Museum
in York, the University was also shortlisted in the Next Generation Learning
and Skills category for a project, NurSusTOOLKIT, which has introduced sustainability
and climate change into the nursing curriculum at a number of institutions
around the world.

Reflecting upon the award Paul said:

“I was genuinely shocked and amazed to have
won, and very thankful to those who have helped me in my work over the many
years. More
broadly, the occasion emphasised how sustainability cannot simply be viewed as one of many agendas. It is an imperative that can no
longer be ignored, and it is vital that all universities unlock their unique
potential to make an immense, positive difference to the future. When we place sustainability at the heart of
all we do, it can yield untold benefits for all.”

“It has been a real privilege
to work with the NurSus team and Paul Murray over the last few years.
Plymouth's sustainability education work is growing in reputation with its
strong links to health and wellbeing. This active care and compassion agenda
has certainly been at the heart of both our Green Gown finalists this year.”